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Patient information sheet: Gabapentin
What type of drug is it?
Gabapentin is a drug used for the treatment of epilepsy (antiepileptic). Although still used for this it is
now used more often for the treatment of chronic pain, especially pain coming from nerve damage
(neuropathic pain). It works by stabilizing nerves which have become over-active, and are sending
unwanted pain signals to your brain.
Is it safe?
Gabapentin has been used successfully for many years in thousands of patients. You will not become
addicted to it or dependent on it, and should be able to stop it without serious problems even if you
have been taking it for several months or years. In order to be used safely it is important that you have
told your pain specialist about any other medications you are taking or recently taken (including those
you buy over the counter in a chemist) and any medical problems that you currently have or previously
suffered from. Particularly you should inform your pain specialist or GP if you suffer or have previously
suffered from kidney or liver problems or currently taking any opioid medications.
Are there any side effects?
As with all medicines Gabapentin can cause side effects, but not all people are affected by them. Side
effects when starting or increasing the dose of Gabapentin are moderately common. Most commonly
people notice “flu like” symptoms, mental clouding or fuzziness. These effects can limit the amount you
are may be able to take.
A very small number of people when taking Gabapentin develop symptoms of an allergic reaction such
as a skin rash, swelling of the hands, lips and throat. If you develop these you should stop taking
Gabapentin and contact your doctor immediately.
Gabapentin may have a minor or moderate influence on your ability to drive as it may cause
drowsiness, dizziness or other related symptoms this especially true at the beginning of the treatment
and after an increase in dose.
If you find the side effects are too much and you don’t find any beneficial effects then stop the drug.
Where possible you shouldn’t abruptly stop taking Gabapentin but reduce your dose in reverse order
to the way in which you had increased it.
How will it help me?
Gabapentin affects the way pain messages are transmitted in the brain. Most people note a reduction
in pain but this may take a few weeks of gradually increasing the dose.
Patient Information
Revision 2
Dated 01/11/2013
Gabapentin
Approved by
Clinical Board
Page 2 of 2
How should I take it?
A dosage regime will be tailored to each patient. Everyone is different and a sufficient dose for one
person might not be enough for another, this is normal. It is important to start with a small dose and
build up slowly - the slower the build up the less the side effects. Gabapentin is best taken three
times a day. Most adults should start with a prescription of 100mg capsules for the first week. After
this your GP should supply you with 300mg capsules or a combination of both where your dose
requires this.
Suggested dosing increase week 1: You may find that you need to increase your dose more slowly
than suggested. You may find that you reach your maximum dose during these first few days.
Day 1
100mg (1 capsule) taken at a convenient time of the day
Day 2
200mg (2 capsules) taken at two evenly spaced intervals through the day
Days 3-7
300mg (3 capsules) taken at three evenly spaced intervals through the day
After the first week: If you have stabilised on a lower dose then continue at that dose. If you want to
increase your dose more slowly than we recommend then ask your GP to continue to supply the
100mg capsules and simply add 100mg to each of your three daily doses. Otherwise follow the
suggestions below and switch to your supply of 300mg capsules.
Week 2
300mg (1 capsule) taken at three evenly spaced intervals through the day
Week 3
600mg (2 capsules) taken at three evenly spaced intervals through the day
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND INCREASING BEYOND THIS DOSE WITHOUT A REVIEW BY EITHER
PAIN MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS OR YOUR GP
As Gabapentin can take some time to show benefit, where possible you should try trialling Gabapentin
for 3-8 weeks, with at least 2 weeks at the highest tolerated dose before deciding it is not effective.
If you do choose to stop taking Gabapentin it is recommended to reduce your dose over at
least 1 week, do not stop abruptly. Speak to your pain specialist or GP first as they can help
you.
You should take the capsules at least 2 hours after taking any indigestion remedies such as
Gaviscon®.
Gabapentin is supplied as capsules in strengths of up to 600mg, above this dose you may receive this
as tablets instead of capsules from your GP.
Who do I contact with queries or concerns?
The information in this leaflet is to guide your use of Gabapentin safely. Further information is available
inside the medication package.
If you have any further questions or concerns about taking this medicine, you may contact us on the
following number: Pain Management Solutions 0800 0340406, speak to your GP or Pharmacist.
Patient Information
Revision 2
Dated 01/11/2013
Gabapentin
Approved by
Clinical Board